Community was key on Victory in Japan Day

Community was the keyword on VJ Day – August 15, 1945 – when the Second World War came to an end after six long years.

Huge festivities had taken place after victory in Europe was announced on May 8, but the desire to have fun was undimmed three months later. 

With fighting finally finished, the whole of Tameside was in a mood to celebrate, but that mood was especially intense in Hyde where street parties took place all over the town.

Neighbours clubbed together to give children the best possible time and the authorities responded with a relaxed attitude. They were happy to let people get on with it and the police didn’t intervene even when the parties started blocking the streets to traffic.

Town hall superintendent RH Strong and the chief constable, TM Skelton, organised community singing on the market ground as the news of Japan’s surrender first broke. It continued all day and the following day, well into the early hours.

Mr Strong and his colleague Mr A Butterworth kept it going with popular songs and dance music played over loudspeakers.

When people started to besiege the town hall in their demand for music, staff produced teenage vocalist Beatrice Fielding of 41 Commercial Street, a member of the Rhythm Kings associated with Hyde Lads’ Club.

Described as a soprano with a good voice, she sang many hits of the day.

Eric Hall of Newton later joined in, playing his piano accordion.

In the evening the floodlit town hall illuminated the town centre. People danced on the market ground, while fireworks exploded above. At midnight on Thursday, August 16, there was a communal rendition of ‘Auld Land Syne’ to end a joyful evening.

Residents of Fountain Street, Godley, collected £3 (£1 in 1945 being worth £30 in today’s money) to entertain 50 children who feasted on cakes and jellies followed by music, games, pop and biscuits. Events closed with fireworks and a bonfire.

Another 50 children were treated to tea, sandwiches, cream cakes, trifles, brandy snaps and other dainties on Croft Street. Catering was done by the mothers. Afterwards there was ice cream and games, music being provided by a radiogram loaned by Mrs Eccles.

Mr J Firth played his piano accordion to accompany dancing and community singing. When the games were over the children were taken to the Baptist Institute for a film show provided by Stanley Banks.

Later there were fireworks and a bonfire as well as toffee, ginger pop and roast potatoes. A similar party took place on Werneth Avenue, Gee Cross, with £7 collected to entertain 83 children.

Residents of Woodfield Estate organised a sports day, before tea for 250 was provided at Union Street schools. Afterwards there were games and a talent competition followed by singing by Albert Herman, Mrs Brownbridge and Mrs Kay, who also played the piano. Then it was back to the estate for fireworks and a bonfire.

Mr Hadfield of Woodfield Farm provided the milk and Mr Rowbotham of Reynold Street donated the pop.

Elm Grove and Miles Street were decorated for a party organised by Derek Lambourne, Paul Hargreaves, Patricia Forbes, Hilda Baldwin, Joan Wood and Betty Burgess. Mrs Wilshaw of Elm Grove lent the organisers her front room to prepare food.

A company of 46 happy boys and girls enjoyed a pre-war tea, and in addition to the potted meat, muffins and cakes, there were jellies of different colours, trifle and blancmange. Games were played and then ice cream and pop were served followed by a bonfire on Hyde United’s Ewen Fields football ground.

Fawley Avenue residents organised a party for 50 children and grown-ups at St George’s Parish Hall with a bonfire, roast potatoes, sandwiches, tea, cakes and crisps.

Main image:

Time to celebrate... neighbours clubbed together to give children the best possible time after six years of war. Picture: Tameside Council.